After years of negotiations, an additional $1.1 billion in compensation may be what seals a settlement deal for ovarian cancer victims seeking justice from Johnson & Johnson. If accepted, the agreement would resolve the litigation issues specific to those suffering gynecologic effects from using the company’s baby powder and other talc powder products but does not address the claims filed by mesothelioma victims.
Offer Provides Ovarian Cancer Victims Over $9 Billion
There are over 60,000 mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims pending against Johnson & Johnson accusing asbestos in the company’s iconic baby powder product and other talcum powder products of causing their illnesses. Negotiations between the plaintiffs’ attorneys and defendants had halted, but an additional $1.1 billion in monetary benefits and a shorter timeline for the distribution of funds to claimants may have shifted the position of one of the largest plaintiffs groups.
Though the new offer has been met positively by one of the attorneys representing over 12,000 ovarian cancer plaintiffs, other attorneys oppose the settlement terms, largely because they object to the company’s plans for placing the subsidiary holding the company’s asbestos liabilities into bankruptcy. This approach would allow Johnson & Johnson to wall off all of those harmed by asbestos in its products without the company having to continue facing individual mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims. Recent verdicts in individual personal injury claims have ordered the company to pay victims millions of dollars.
$9.1 Billion Offer Would Not Address Claims from J&J’s Mesothelioma Talc Victims
Talks will continue between Johnson & Johnson and the attorneys representing victims diagnosed with ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers, but even if the settlement offer is accepted, it will not address claims from plaintiffs who accuse the company’s talc of causing their malignant mesothelioma.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer after using talcum powder products, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
